At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to model circular economy strategies for UK buildings and drive sustainable change.
- Company: University of Bath, a diverse and inclusive institution with a strong commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Generous leave, professional development, hybrid working, and employee assistance services.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity with excellent career growth and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of sustainable building practices in the UK.
- Qualifications: PhD in a relevant field and skills in system modelling and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 46049 € per year.
About the role
We are looking for a researcher to join our team to work on an exciting multi-institution project on circular economy for buildings: BuildZero. BuildZero aims to understand if the UK’s needs from its building stock can be met with zero new raw material extraction, zero emissions and zero waste. Our research will show to what extent this vision is achievable and desirable, and provide a platform for translating circular economy approaches into practice and policy at scale. Within this wider project, your focus will be on understanding the impact of circular economy strategies for buildings, at regional/national scale in the UK.
To do this, you will develop models of the current UK building stock and how it will be affected by new construction and demolition activities, as well as strategies such as retrofit, extension, adaptive reuse, component reuse, and material recycling. This will allow us to show to what extent these circular economy strategies really do move us towards zero carbon and zero waste construction at scale. To conduct your work you will be an integral member of the large, multidisciplinary BuildZero project team, and you will also contribute to wider project tasks, events, and outputs.
As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year. A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course (PhD) completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.
About you
Our ideal candidate will have:
- Completed a PhD in a relevant discipline.
- Ability to model systems/processes representing buildings stocks, and the effect of circular economy strategies on the stock, resource and waste flows, and energy and emissions.
- Familiarity with issues of circular economy and the built environment, though this could be substituted by a strong ability for interdisciplinary collaboration and a willingness to learn.
- Interest in accounting for uncertainties involved in the scale-up modelling and understanding how this affects the robustness of the findings.
Apart from excellent technical skills, you will need:
- The ability to organise and prioritise your own workload, and to work in a broad interdisciplinary team, both within Bath and across the wider project.
- Excellent oral, interpersonal and written communication skills.
Interaction with academic and industrial partners of BuildZero, and participation in consortium events, will be expected.
Further information
This is a full time (36.5 hours per week) role initially offered for 30 months and available from June 2026. Part time working may be possible and if interested in applying on this basis you should make this clear on your application form. Interviews are scheduled to be held on 18 and 19 June.
We offer a hybrid working arrangement, combining the benefits of remote working with regular on-campus collaboration. You will be required to work on campus 2–3 days per week.
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university.
What we can offer you
We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more
- Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- A family-friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Relocation allowance
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
Be Well at Bath
We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:
- Staff support groups and networks
- A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
- A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive
Closing Date: 01 Jun 2026
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £38,784 to £46,049
Research Associate in National-scale modelling of Circular Economy Strategies for UK buildings (SS13619) - Bath, BA2 7AY employer: University of Bath
The University of Bath is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates diversity and promotes professional growth. With generous benefits such as a supportive pension scheme, extensive annual leave, and opportunities for personal development, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally in the beautiful city of Bath. The university's commitment to sustainability and innovative research makes it an inspiring place to contribute to meaningful projects like BuildZero, aimed at transforming the future of the built environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in National-scale modelling of Circular Economy Strategies for UK buildings (SS13619) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the project! Research the BuildZero initiative and its goals. When you understand what they’re all about, you can tailor your conversations during interviews to show how your skills align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process. Plus, it’s a great way to get insider info!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for potential interview questions related to circular economy strategies and modelling systems. Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure your answers to the shortlisting questions are strong and stand alone, as that’s what the panel will focus on first.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in National-scale modelling of Circular Economy Strategies for UK buildings (SS13619) - Bath, BA2 7AY
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for circular economy strategies and sustainable building practices shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and the impact it can have!
Tailor Your Responses:Make sure your answers to the shortlisting questions are tailored specifically to the job description. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the requirements we’ve outlined. This helps us see why you’re a great fit!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your written responses clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your ideas flow logically. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures everything is in one place for the shortlisting panel to review.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Know Your Circular Economy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the principles of circular economy, especially as they relate to buildings. Be ready to discuss how these strategies can impact resource flows and emissions in the UK building stock. Showing your understanding will impress the interviewers!
✨Show Off Your Modelling Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with modelling systems and processes. Think of specific examples where you've successfully developed models or tackled uncertainties in your research. This is a key part of the role, so demonstrating your expertise here is crucial.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since you'll be working in a multidisciplinary team, practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms. You might be asked to present your thoughts on circular economy strategies, so clear communication is essential. Consider doing mock interviews with friends to refine your delivery.
✨Be Ready for Teamwork Questions
Expect questions about your ability to work in a team. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've collaborated effectively, especially in interdisciplinary settings. Highlighting your interpersonal skills will show that you're a great fit for their collaborative environment.
